Thu Mar 20 18:40:00 UTC 2025: **Buffett Sweetens the Pot: $1 Million March Madness Prize for Berkshire Hathaway Employees**
OMAHA, NE – Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett is making it a little easier for his employees to win big during this year’s March Madness tournament. The 94-year-old billionaire is offering a $1 million prize to any employee who correctly predicts the winners of 30 out of the tournament’s 32 first-round games. This is a significant change from previous years, where a perfect first-round bracket was required. Buffett, quoted in The Wall Street Journal, stated his desire to award the large sum while still serving as chairman.
While a perfect bracket remains incredibly difficult – the odds are estimated at 1 in 9.2 quintillion by the NCAA – the lowered threshold increases the chances of a winner. Should no one achieve a perfect 30-game prediction, a $250,000 prize will be awarded to the employee with the most correct picks. Previously, Buffett offered a lifetime annuity of $1 million for a perfect bracket through the first two rounds, a feat never accomplished.
This generous offer contrasts with the billions of dollars Americans are expected to wager on the tournament this year – an estimated $3.1 billion, according to the American Gambling Association. While the Berkshire Hathaway challenge offers a fun, low-stakes competition for employees, the article cautions against the risks associated with high-stakes sports betting. The piece concludes with a promotional plug for CNBC’s side hustle course.
First Piper 